“Simply relax and float along the current with Sehgal, and find yourself in the Galápagos, the Federal Reserve’s gold vault, a neuroscience lab or ancient Mesopotamia, all the while having no idea where you are headed next…Sehgal is a tireless and eloquent guide, and knows just how long to stay at each stop.” —Financial Times

“Coined is that rare book indeed – a fun romp through the history of human exchange, taking up the subject of money in its physical, psychological, philosophical, and historical forms. Like Salt, the topic serves not as a lens that narrows, but as a backdrop for a panoramic viewpoint, sparkling writing, and an exploration of a world you may never have known existed.”
—Rachel Kleinfeld, Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

“Kabir Sehgal has done us a great service in writing this book. He has presented in this book everything that money has meant to people over the centuries and with a multidimensional perspective. He has prepared the ground for us to take it forward, to give new meaning to money, to assign it new roles in our lives, and imagine the future of money as a foundation upon which we can build the future of the world we all cherish. Thank you, Kabir.”—Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Founder of Grameen Bank (from foreword)

“Coined doesn’t resemble any of the usual text books on money. For one thing, it’s actually fun to read–and Kabir Sehgal will stimulate your thinking about our financial crisis and banking.”—Paul Volcker, Former Chair of the Federal Reserve

“An exceptional examination of the history of money. Kabir has written an engaging narrative that spans thousands of years and introduces readers to important people who have impacted the chronicle of currency.”—Jimmy Carter, Former US President

“The best things in life are free, but ever since civilization began money has had a profound impact on humanity. Kabir’s book brings the story of currency to life and is worth spending a few of your hard-earned coins on.”—Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Group

“Well-written. Clever. Innovative. This amazing book will get you thinking about money in completely new ways. If you want to understand how money has impacted the human condition, for better or worse, and how it will continue to shape our behavior, read this book.”—Sheila Bair, Former Chair of the Federal Deposit Corporation

“Kabir Sehgal has tackled the topic of money and written a fascinating account that weaves together history, philosophy, and personal anecdotes. He provides insights that are both riveting and thought-provoking.”—Walter Isaacson, bestselling author of Steve Jobs and President of the Aspen Institute

“Coined is a world history of currency that looks at the different forms money takes across time and across cultures. Mr. Sehgal’s anecdotes are wide-ranging and include the birth of exchange in the Galapagos Islands; the art sought after by coin collectors in Vietnam; a tour of the Federal Reserve’s vaults in New York; and the way bees trade pollen in the hive.”—Bill Clinton, Former US President

“Kabir Sehgal has created an ideal book for anyone interested in understanding how money has impacted our world. His thought provoking and impressive writing style makes this an enjoyable and educational read.”—William H. Rogers, Chairman & CEO, SunTrust Banks